There are AK based DM rifles used in the east, so if barrel length is really an issue, you can just really work up a nice AK74/47 type gun, proper optics, good upgrades on the inside and you'll be fine. Barrel length doesn't do much else than affect velocity when it comes to airsoft guns.

To be more specific, I want an SVD for a PLA loadout. Since the SVD (Type 85) is the only commercially available airsoft that is used by the PLA forces in the 21st century (QBZ-97 doesn't count) and the QBU-88 (Real sword QBZ-97 Sniper) might not come out, worst case scenario -> I'd have to stick with the SVD. For the sake of realism I could just keep the SVD as is. However, since a Real Sword SVD cost around $1200, I'd rather be able to use it as an AR if the need arises, or at the very least not get it tangled in forest areas. In other words, Function over Form as long as I don't have to resort to using M14 or AK47, which is just ridiculous for the PLA forces.

So my main concern is in the event Real Sword announced they've scrapped the QBU-88 project, is it feasible to re-length and re-thread the barrel through a 3rd party service that deals with metals? Or would the short length that could be trimmed negligible in relation to the cost?

Finally, I've heard that the 2nd batch of the RS SVD onwards uses less than ideal wood. By that I mean ones without the wood pattern. If I could get a confirmation on this rumor it'd be very much appreciated.

Of course, best case scenario, QBU-88 rifle comes out and I get my bullpup sniper that's shorter than an M16. However, seeing as they've taken the page off their site, its... well... lets just say my fingers are still crossed.

that sounds expensive as hell..... remind me why you would want to do that to an SVD?.....if you want to use something as an AR or a sniper y dont you make an AK with two different mechboxes? Change them to suit your needs, in the end its going to be cheaper than what you want to do

Just have a longer inner barrel for your sniper and throw a suppressor on it to cover it

that sounds expensive as hell..... remind me why you would want to do that to an SVD?.....if you want to use something as an AR or a sniper y dont you make an AK with two different mechboxes? Change them to suit your needs, in the end its going to be cheaper than what you want to do

Just have a longer inner barrel for your sniper and throw a suppressor on it to cover it

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iskaryot

To be more specific, I want an SVD for a PLA loadout. Since the SVD (Type 85) is the only commercially available airsoft that is used by the PLA forces in the 21st century (QBZ-97 doesn't count) and the QBU-88 (Real sword QBZ-97 Sniper) might not come out, worst case scenario -> I'd have to stick with the SVD. For the sake of realism I could just keep the SVD as is. However, since a Real Sword SVD cost around $1200, I'd rather be able to use it as an AR if the need arises, or at the very least not get it tangled in forest areas. In other words, Function over Form as long as I don't have to resort to using M14 or AK47, which is just ridiculous for the PLA forces.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Specs

that sounds expensive as hell.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iskaryot

is it feasible to re-length and re-thread the barrel through a 3rd party service that deals with metals? Or would the short length that could be trimmed negligible in relation to the cost?

Please read my posts... If it is indeed expensive, I just want to have an estimate...

Type 56c's are still in Active PLA service :P
The type 56-2 can probably pass as a Type 81 assault rifle they still haven't been fully purged out of the PLA armoury. It is also the closest thing to a Type 03 until the Realsword does something about it. The realsword SVD is actually a chinese Type 79/85. For the sake of realism why shorten a SVD that comes from a former Norinco/ state owned factory.

To be more specific, I want an SVD for a PLA loadout. Since the SVD (Type 85) is the only commercially available airsoft that is used by the PLA forces in the 21st century (QBZ-97 doesn't count) and the QBU-88 (Real sword QBZ-97 Sniper) might not come out, worst case scenario -> I'd have to stick with the SVD. For the sake of realism I could just keep the SVD as is. However, since a Real Sword SVD cost around $1200, I'd rather be able to use it as an AR if the need arises, or at the very least not get it tangled in forest areas. In other words, Function over Form as long as I don't have to resort to using M14 or AK47, which is just ridiculous for the PLA forces.

That's your problem the Chinese don't use M-14s or AK-47s

They use Type 56 assault rifles which are clones of the AK-47 with some minor changes. Reserve or Milita units may still be using Type 56s but it's most likely they are using type 81s. The Type 56c the compact version of the type 56 assault rifle is still in active service.

No problem... srry but I would hate to see a RS SVD modded like that, i think you need to hold one to fully understand

Maybe that's true, but just now I did some measurements with a meter-stick. The Dragonuv Tiger is around 109 cm long overall, and that's the sporter version of the soviet SVD. The Real Sword Type 79/85 on the other hand, is 129.5 cm long. Now, I may be 5' 10", but holding a 129.5 length meterstick (2 metersticks overlapping actually) felt really unwieldy and uncomfortable. However, once I shortened it to 109 cm, it felt perfect. However, holding the meterstick for too long my left hand got tired, and I'd imagine it'd be a nightmare to hold the real thing. I guess I better start working out so I won't be the lanky bloke that I am... *embarrassed*

They use Type 56 assault rifles which are clones of the AK-47 with some minor changes. Reserve or Milita units may still be using Type 56s but it's most likely they are using type 81s. The Type 56c the compact version of the type 56 assault rifle is still in active service.

The real sword SVD is semi automatic only so you will be at a major disadvantage when you engage foes with automatics not to mention a small magazine. The type 56-2 or type 97 would be my suggestion for PLA unit. The type 56-2 being the cheapest costing around $550 and up and the Type 97 at $700 and up.